[milkytron]

> Try to earn some money on the side.

For this, I'd recommend finding a job related to or in tech while in school. Internship and co-ops are ideal, and if they can do multiple at differing companies, even better. If it's not internship/co-op season, try to find a job ON CAMPUS that has lots of downtime. Computer labs, gym, TA, or something easy where you can get work done but also interact with others that need help.

I took a help desk job at my school, and that alone led me to better grades, more club involvement, better social connections (students and faculty), and paychecks. Much of the advice listed can be achieved while working an easy job on campus.